10TH ANNIVERSARY CHESTER HERITAGE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED AS HERITAGE CHESTER CIC LAUNCHES TO SECURE FUTURE #Events
Victoria Hayes
6th March 2025
The Chester Heritage Festival, a celebrated event that has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, has announced its milestone 10th Anniversary Festival, set to run from 24th May to 8th June 2025. This landmark event promises an unprecedented exploration of Chester’s rich and diverse historical landscape.
In a significant development, the team behind the festival has formed Heritage Chester, a Community Interest Company (CIC) established to ensure the festival’s long-term future and support an expanded year-round programme of heritage activities. This new organisational structure will enable stronger partnerships with local businesses and institutions through sponsorship opportunities and collaborative projects.
Over the past decade, the Festival has emerged as a pivotal platform for bringing Chester’s remarkable 2,000-year history to life, engaging residents and visitors through innovative, immersive experiences, including fully digital festivals throughout the pandemic. From Roman foundations to Victorian innovations, the Festival has consistently offered dynamic, educational, and entertaining insights into the city’s heritage.
The upcoming 10th Anniversary Festival will build upon the event’s successful past initiatives, including the recent “Rowvember” project, which brought Chester’s unique architectural feature – the iconic Rows – into sharp focus. This initiative garnered widespread attention, including coverage from the BBC, and highlighted the Festival’s commitment to historical preservation and urban storytelling.
“Our 10th Anniversary Festival is more than a celebration – it’s a testament to Chester’s incredible historical significance,” said Stuart Robinson, Vice Chair of Heritage Chester “With the establishment of Heritage Chester CIC, we’re not only thrilled to offer an expanded festival programme, but we’re also creating a sustainable foundation for celebrating and preserving Chester’s history year-round.”
Highlights of the 10th Anniversary Festival will include:
– Expanded walking tours exploring Chester’s diverse historical periods
– Living history performances
– Expert-led talks and debates
– Digital and Film experiences
– Unique architectural and historical exhibitions
– Community engagement programmes
– Special commemorative events
The Festival continues to be supported by local businesses, historical societies, and community organisations and Cheshire West and Chester Council, reflecting its deep roots in Chester’s cultural fabric. With the formation of Heritage Chester CIC, the organisation is now actively seeking business sponsors and strategic partners to help extend its impact throughout the year. Companies interested in supporting Chester’s heritage are encouraged to reach out to discuss partnership opportunities.
Participation is always welcome and if you would like to be involved, or have an idea for an event, please do get in touch via our website or at info@heritagechester.co.uk.
Tickets and the event program will be available from March 2025.
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https://www.chesterheritagefestival.co.uk
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.